Small Cape Rush

Chondropetalum tectorum

Chondropetalum tectorum in May 2015 on 20% ETo. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

Significant results for this South African species were somewhat derailed.  Because of time considerations, we replaced some of our initial mortality with plants obtained from a grower different than the original supplier but closer to home. We later found them to be of a different species, namely Chondropetalum elephantinum. (For a thorough explanation of the issue, see Randy Baldwin’s discussion here: http://www.smgrowers.com/info/chondropetalum.asp.) While we were unable to apply any significant statistical analysis to growth parameters, irrigation didn’t seem to significantly affect relative growth of either species.  Quality ratings for both species at the end of the trials were highest on the lowest irrigation level of 20% of ETo (Figure 1b), making it the recommended rate for either of these species.